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It's a design dilemma that has challenged homeowners since the advent of indoor plumbing.

How does one instil a sense of artistic individuality into kitchen and bathroom design? With a backsplash, of course.

Backsplashes can conjure up a touch of drama, add glamour with a little sparkling bling or set the stage for the main show - the countertops and cabinetry. Bruce Harvey, director of show home design and merchandising for Jayman Homes, says when it comes to backsplash design, there is only one sure thing: there are no set rules.

"It's all about the look and feel you want to achieve," Harvey advises. That said, here are some cool ideas to get you started.

What's Hot

Anything goes this year when it comes to backsplash design. Patterns, shapes, natural materials and digital ink-jet imagery are all trending. Also very current are unique tiles that incorporate plenty of texture by using organic, undulating shapes and rich materials. And always a showstopper, a feature wall or feature tile display is sure to turn heads.

Glam it Up

Glass and stainless steel tiles can elevate the glam factor, especially in a smaller space. Adding sheen and sparkle, glass has myriad applications. When featured in a monochromatic, linear colour scheme, it can create a clean, fresh and sleek look.

But shake it up a bit with crushed glass, mosaic glass tiles or a mix of glass finishes (shiny and sandblasted) and these polished grains of sand can transform a staid space into a funky, urban retreat. Steel and metal tiles, whether in a textured three-dimensional mosaic pattern or a sheet of smooth shine, create instant bling, lending themselves as building blocks for a stunning feature wall.

Pros: Adds instant design appeal.

Cons: Glass could potentially chip. As with anything that is on trend, you run the risk of it not standing the test of time.

Price: $30 and up per square foot.

Create a Feature

A focal feature, usually placed behind a cooktop, creates a sense of whimsy and adds oodles of artistic interest, especially in a larger home with grand scale.

"It rounds out the space and makes a very highend visual," says Suzette Toews, designer and principal at Interior Evolution Inc. She created a stunning focal point in a McKinley Masters design by using several sizes, textures and colours of glazed, hand-crafted tiles to create a frame and an inside visual, surrounded by a perimeter of countertopto-ceiling, handcrafted, soldier-stacked clay subway tile, which worked as the backdrop.

"It flows with the rest of the features of the home, from soaring 22-foot barrel ceilings to exquisite millwork details and trims," Toews says.

She suggests creating a more subtle monochromatic, tone-on-tone feature in a smaller home.

"It has to relate to the scale of the kitchen."

Pros: Creates continuity and cohesiveness.

Cons: Price. With handmade tiles, buyers should be aware of dye lots to ensure the colour is cohesive.

She created an urban Canmore esthetic for a client using a full-height rock backsplash in the kitchen that flows to a feature wall in the dining room. The look was carried through to the master ensuite. The same rock creates a feature in the shower and arcs through to the backsplash above the sink.

Pros: Warmth and elegance.

Cons: Maintenance: Stone must be sealed twice a year.

Cost: Depends on the type of stone - costs start at $10 per square foot and move upwards, not including installation.

Pattern and Shape

From hexagons to octagons, shape is all the rage for 2014.

"Shapes are just all over the board, ranging from micro-mosaics right up to large-format tiles as big as five by 10 feet," says Jayman's Bruce Harvey.

Add to shape the concept of pattern (think honeycombs and Moroccanthemed inspirations) and the sky is the limit when it comes to design. By taking a classic shape, such as a rectangular subway tile, and stacking it in an off-set brick lay or a herringbone pattern, the look will be timeless.

Or to jazz up a space and add some funk, take a stainless steel hexagon mosaic and create a feature wall.

Pros: Versatility and excitement.

Cons: Trendy.

Cost: $20 and up per square foot.

Classic Elegance

Classic elegance never goes out of style. Julie Punter of AviUrban recommends keeping the colour more timeless with neutrals like whites, greys, creams and taupes, while incorporating some shape and texture to punch it up a bit.

"Natural materials like marble and limestone never date themselves," she says.

Pros: Timeless, appeals to everyone.

Cons: Price.

Cost: $50 per square foot.

Tips on Choice

Every designer has his or her own opinion on how to choose a backsplash. Some suggest picking the cabinetry first, then the backsplash, and finally the countertops; others say pick the cabinetry and countertops first and then the backsplash will literally pick itself. But the bottom line - no matter what the choice - backsplashes are relatively easy to change up. While not quite as inexpensive as a throw cushion, they are definitely doable. So have some fun and experiment.

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